Medical image acquisition system and medical imaging device

ABSTRACT

A medical image acquisition system includes an imaging device and an image processing device. The imaging device includes: an imaging unit configured to receive light and convert the light into an electric signal so as to generate the imaging signal; an optical unit including a focus mechanism moving one or a plurality of lenses so as to adjust a focal point position, and configured to form an optical image on the imaging unit; a memory configured to store therein unique information of the imaging device; and an auto focus controller configured to totally control the imaging device. The image processing device includes an auto focus evaluation unit configured to perform focusing evaluation based on the imaging signal, and the auto focus controller controls driving of the focus mechanism by referring to the unique information in accordance with an evaluation result by the auto focus evaluation unit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present application is a continuation application of, and claims thebenefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 from, U.S. application Ser.No. 16/231,009, filed Dec. 21, 2018, which is a continuation applicationof U.S. application Ser. No. 15/155,197, filed May 16, 2016, whichclaims priority Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-119731, filed inJapan on Jun. 12, 2015, the entire contents of each are incorporatedherein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a medical image acquisition system anda medical imaging device.

In a medical field, medical image acquisition systems that image asubject using an imaging element so as to observe the subject have beenknown (For example, see Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No.2006-25913).

An endoscope system as disclosed in Japanese Patent ApplicationLaid-open No. 2006-25913 is a medical image acquisition system andincludes an imaging device having a camera head with the imaging elementand a camera cord as a signal transmitter that is electrically connectedto the camera head, and an image processing device that processes animaging signal received from the camera cord so as to generate an imagesignal based on the imaging signal. The camera head as disclosed inJapanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2006-25913 includes a focalpoint position adjusting mechanism adjusting a focal point position.

The focal point position adjusting mechanism includes a lens frame thatholds one or a plurality of lens(es) and is movable in the optical axisdirection and a focus ring that is rotatable about an optical axis andinputs a movement amount of the lens frame based on a rotation amountthereof. A user moves the lens frame by rotating the focus ring so as toadjust the focal point position.

SUMMARY

When what is called manual focus of adjusting a focal point position inaccordance with an operation by a user is performed like with theabove-mentioned focus ring, detail operations such as minute adjustmentof the focal point position may be needed in some cases. For example,the depth of field is shallow in some cases with pixel increase of animaging element in order to provide a high-definition observation image.In such a case, a manual adjustment operation of the focal pointposition is frequently required to be performed, resulting in acumbersome focus operation and increase in time taken for adjusting thefocal point position.

In order to smoothly perform the adjustment operation of the focal pointposition, a technique of auto focus (AF) capable of adjusting the focalpoint position automatically can be employed. When a camera head of adifferent model type is mounted on an image processing device,incorporation of the AF configuration into the camera head requirespieces of detailed characteristic information of optical performance ofa lens, driving performance of the lens (lens frame), and performance ofthe imaging element that are specific to the individual camera head. Inthe case where the image processing device is made to hold the pieces ofcharacteristic information for individual camera heads capable of beingmounted thereon, version upgrading of the image processing device may benecessary and maintenance may be needed every case when an informationamount is increased, a camera head of a new model type is released, orversion upgrading of the camera head is performed. This increases loadon the user.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided amedical image acquisition system including: an imaging device configuredto image a subject so as to generate an imaging signal; and an imageprocessing device electrically connected to the imaging devicedetachably and configured to process the received imaging signal so asto generate an image signal corresponding to the imaging signal. Theimaging device includes: an imaging unit configured to receive light andconvert the light into an electric signal so as to generate the imagingsignal; an optical unit including a focus mechanism moving one or aplurality of lenses so as to adjust a focal point position, andconfigured to form an optical image on the imaging unit; a memoryconfigured to store therein unique information of the imaging device;and an auto focus controller configured to totally control the imagingdevice and control driving of the focus mechanism by referring to thememory, the image processing device includes an auto focus evaluationunit configured to perform focusing evaluation based on the imagingsignal, and the auto focus controller controls driving of the focusmechanism by referring to the unique information in accordance with anevaluation result by the auto focus evaluation unit.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provideda medical imaging device adapted to image a subject so as to generate animaging signal, the medical imaging device including: an imaging unitconfigured to receive light and convert the light into an electricsignal so as to generate the imaging signal; an optical unit including afocus mechanism moving one or a plurality of lenses so as to adjust afocal point position and configured to form an optical image on theimaging unit; a memory configured to store therein unique information ofthe medical imaging device; and an auto focus controller configured tototally control the medical imaging device and control driving of thefocus mechanism by referring to the unique information in accordancewith a focusing evaluation result of an image received from an externaldevice.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view illustrating the schematic configuration of anendoscope device according to a first embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configurations of a camerahead and an image processing device as illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view for explaining a focus mechanism of alens unit in the first embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view for explaining a focus mechanism of alens unit according to a first modification of the first embodiment ofthe disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view for explaining a focus mechanism of alens unit according to a second modification of the first embodiment ofthe disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the configurations of a camerahead and an image processing device according to a second embodiment ofthe disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the configurations of a camerahead and an image processing device according to a third embodiment ofthe disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating the configurations of a camerahead and an image processing device according to a fourth embodiment ofthe disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating the configurations of a camerahead and an image processing device according to a fifth embodiment ofthe disclosure; and

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating the configurations of a camerahead and an image processing device according to a sixth embodiment ofthe disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described. Inthe embodiments, medical endoscope devices that image an inner portionof a subject such as a patient and display an image are described asexamples of a medical image acquisition system including a medicalimaging device according to the disclosure. The embodiments do not limitthe disclosure. In the accompanying drawings, the same referencenumerals and symbols denote the same components.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a view illustrating the schematic configuration of anendoscope device 1 according to a first embodiment of the disclosure.The endoscope device 1 is a device that is used in a medical field inorder to observe a subject in (a living body of) an observation targetsuch as a person. The endoscope device 1 includes an endoscope(insertion portion) 8, an imaging device 2 (medical imaging device), adisplay device 3, an image processing device 4, and a light sourcedevice 5, as illustrated in FIG. 1. The imaging device 2 and the imageprocessing device 4 configure a medical image acquisition system.Although an endoscope device using a rigid scope as the endoscope 8 isdescribed in the first embodiment, the endoscope device is not limitedthereto and may use a flexible scope (not illustrated) as the endoscope8.

An end of a light guide 6 is connected to the endoscope 8 and the lightsource device 5 supplies light for illuminating an inner portion of theliving body to the other end of the light guide 6. One end of the lightguide 6 is connected to the light source device 5 detachably and theother end thereof is connected to the insertion portion 8 detachably.The light guide 6 transfers the light supplied from the light sourcedevice 5 from one end to the other end and supplies the light to theendoscope 8.

The imaging device 2 images a subject image from the endoscope 8 andoutputs the imaging result. The imaging device 2 includes a transmissioncable 7 as a signal transmitter and a camera head 9 as illustrated inFIG. 1. In the first embodiment, the transmission cable 7 and the camerahead 9 configure the medical imaging device.

The endoscope 8 is rigid and has an elongated shape, and is insertedinto the living body. The endoscope 8 includes therein an optical systemconfigured by one or a plurality of lens(es) and collecting the subjectimage. The endoscope 8 emits, from a tip thereof, the light suppliedthrough the light guide 6 and irradiates the inner portion of the livingbody with the light. The optical system (a lens unit 91) in theendoscope 8 collects the light (subject image) with which the innerportion of the living body is irradiated.

The camera head 9 is connected to a base end of the endoscope 8detachably. The camera head 9 images the subject image collected by theendoscope 8 and outputs an imaging signal generated by the imaging undercontrol by the image processing device 4. It should be noted that thedetail configuration of the camera head 9 will be described later.

The transmission cable 7 has a first connector unit 7A at one end and isconnected to the image processing device 4 detachably with the firstconnector unit 7A interposed therebetween. The transmission cable 7 hasa second connector unit 7B at the other end and is connected to thecamera head 9 detachably with the second connector unit 7B interposedtherebetween. To be specific, the transmission cable 7 is a cable inwhich a plurality of electric wirings (not illustrated) are arranged atthe inner side of an outer cover as an outermost layer. The electricwirings are electric wirings for transmitting the imaging signal outputfrom the camera head 9 and a control signal, a synchronization signal,clocks, and electric power output from the image processing device 4 tothe camera head 9. Although the camera head 9 and the second connectorunit 7B are connected detachably in the embodiment, the configuration isnot limited thereto and the camera head 9 and the second connector unit7B may be integrally fixed and connected.

The display device 3 displays an image generated by the image processingdevice 4 under control by the image processing device 4.

The image processing device 4 processes the imaging signal input fromthe camera head 9 through the transmission cable 7 and outputs an imagesignal to the display device 3. In addition, the image processing device4 totally controls operations of the camera head 9 and the displaydevice 3. The detail configuration of the image processing device 4 willbe described later.

Next, the configurations of the imaging device 2 and the imageprocessing device 4 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagramillustrating the configurations of the imaging device 2 and the imageprocessing device 4. It should be noted that FIG. 2 omits illustrationof the connector (second connector unit 7B) capable of connecting thecamera head 9 and the transmission cable 7 detachably.

The configuration of the image processing device 4, the configuration ofthe first connector unit 7A, and the configuration of the camera head 9will be described in this order below. A primary part of the disclosureis mainly described as the configuration of the image processing device4. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the image processing device 4 includes asignal processor 41, an image generator 42, a communication module 43,an input unit 44, an image processing controller 45, and a memory 46.The image processing device 4 may include a power supply unit (notillustrated) or the like generating a power supply voltage for drivingthe image processing device 4 and the camera head 9, supplying it to theindividual parts of the image processing device 4, and supplying it tothe camera head 9 through the transmission cable 7.

The signal processor 41 performs signal processing such as noise removaland analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion if necessary on the imagingsignal output from the camera head 9 and outputs a digitalized imagingsignal (pulse signal) to the image generator 42.

The signal processor 41 generates synchronization signals and clocks forthe imaging device 2 and the image processing device 4. Thesynchronization signal (for example, synchronization signal instructingan imaging timing of the camera head 9) and the clock (for example,clock for serial communication) to the imaging device 2 are sent to theimaging device 2 through a line (not illustrated). The imaging device 2is driven based on the synchronization signal and the clock.

The image generator 42 generates the image signal for display that thedisplay device 3 displays based on the imaging signal input from thesignal processor 41. The image generator 42 executes predeterminedsignal processing on the imaging signal so as to generate the imagesignal for display including the subject image. Image processingincludes pieces of processing of various types such as color correction,color enhancement, and contour enhancement. The image generator 42outputs the generated image signal to the display device 3.

The communication module 43 outputs signals from the image processingdevice 4 that include a control signal transmitted from the imageprocessing controller 45, which will be described later, to the imagingdevice 2. The communication module 43 outputs signals from the imagingdevice 2 to the image processing device 4. That is to say, thecommunication module 43 is a relay device that collects the signals tobe output to the imaging device 2 from the individual parts of the imageprocessing device 4 by parallel-to-serial conversion or the like andoutputs them, and allocates the signals input from the imaging device 2by serial-to-parallel conversion or the like and outputs them to thecorresponding parts of the image processing device 4.

The input unit 44 is configured by a user interface such as a keyboard,a mouse, and a touch panel, and receives input of pieces of informationof various types.

The image processing controller 45 performs driving control of theindividual constituent components including the image processing device4 and the camera head 9, input/output control of pieces of informationto the corresponding constituent components, and the like. The imageprocessing controller 45 generates a control signal containing a resultof AF operation processing, which will be described later, by referringto communication information data (for example, communication formatinformation) recorded in the memory 46, and transmits the generatedcontrol signal to the imaging device 2 (first connector unit 7A) throughthe communication module 43.

The image processing controller 45 outputs the control signal to thecamera head 9 through the transmission cable 7.

The memory 46 is configured by a semiconductor memory such as a flashmemory and a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) and records therein thecommunication information data (for example, communication formatinformation). The memory 46 may record therein programs of various typesthat the image processing controller 45 executes.

The signal processor 41 includes an AF processor 41 a. The AF processor41 a outputs a predetermined AF evaluation value of each frame based onan input imaging signal of the frame.

The image processing controller 45 includes an AF operation unit 45 a.The AF operation unit 45 a performs AF operation processing of selectinga frame or a focus lens position that is optimum as a focusing positionbased on the AF evaluation values of the respective frames from the AFprocessor 41 a.

The result of the AF operation processing is output to an AF controller712, which will be described later, through the communication module 43.

Although the AF processor 41 a is provided in the signal processor 41and the AF operation unit 45 a is provided in the image processingcontroller 45 in the embodiment, the configuration is not limitedthereto. Alternatively, both the AF processor 41 a and the AF operationunit 45 a may be provided together in the signal processor 41 or theimage processing controller 45 or they may be provided as differentdevices.

The signal processor 41, the image generator 42, the communicationmodule 43, and the image processing controller 45 as described above aremade to operate by a general processor such as a central processing unit(CPU) having an internal memory (not illustrated) with programs recordedtherein or exclusive processors such as operation circuits of varioustypes executing specific functions, like an application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC). Furthermore, they may be configured by afield programmable gate array (FPGA) (not illustrated) as one type of aprogrammable integrated circuit. When they are configured by the FPGA, amemory storing therein configuration data may be provided and the FPGAas the programmable integrated circuit may be configured by theconfiguration data read from the memory.

Subsequently, a primary part of the disclosure is mainly described asthe configuration of the transmission cable 7. As illustrated in FIG. 2,the first connector unit 7A includes a communication module 711, the AFcontroller 712, and a memory 713.

The communication module 711 outputs signals transmitted from the imageprocessing device 4, such as the control signal containing the result ofthe AF operation processing, and signals transmitted from the camerahead to the AF controller 712. The communication module 711 outputssignals transmitted from the AF controller 712 that contain an AFdriving signal, which will be described later, to the camera head 9 andthe image processing device 4. That is to say, the communication module711 is a relay device that collects signals to be output to the camerahead 9 and the image processing device 4 from the individual parts ofthe transmission cable 7 including the AF controller 712 byparallel-to-serial conversion or the like and outputs them, andallocates the signals input from the camera head 9 and the imageprocessing device 4 by serial-to-parallel conversion or the like andoutputs them to the corresponding parts of the transmission cable 7including the AF controller 712.

The AF controller 712 controls focus driving by a driving unit 93. TheAF controller 712 generates an AF driving signal by referring to AFperformance data (for example, reading timing and lens driving) 713 afor AF control that is recorded in the memory 713. To be specific, theAF controller 712 generates the AF driving signal in accordance with theresult of the AF operation processing that is received from the AFoperation unit 45 a of the image processing device 4 through thecommunication module 711. Furthermore, the AF controller 712 transmitsthe generated AF driving signal to the camera head 9 through thecommunication module 711 and the predetermined electric wiring includedin the transmission cable 7.

The memory 713 is configured by a semiconductor memory such as a flashmemory and a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) and records thereinprograms of various types and the like that the AF controller 712executes. The memory 713 stores therein the AF performance data 713 arelated to AF performance of the camera head 9 as unique information.The AF performance data 713 a includes pieces of performance datarelated to the AF driving, such as information of a movement distance(inter-frame distance) of a lens between the frames for which theimaging is made in the AF processing, setting information of a driver ofthe driving unit 93, information of a lens movement amount for an inputsignal to a focus mechanism 900, and individual variation data of thedriving unit 93 including a detector 93 a and the lens unit 91 includingthe focus mechanism 900.

The communication module 711 and the AF controller 712 as describedabove are made to operate by a general processor such as a centralprocessing unit (CPU) having an internal memory (not illustrated) withprograms recorded therein or exclusive processors such as operationcircuits of various types executing specific functions, like anapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Furthermore, they may beconfigured by a field programmable gate array (FPGA) (not illustrated)as one type of a programmable integrated circuit. When they areconfigured by the FPGA, a memory storing therein configuration data maybe provided and the FPGA as the programmable integrated circuit may beconfigured by the configuration data read from the memory.

Although the AF controller 712 and the memory 713 are provided in thefirst connector unit 7A in the embodiment, the configuration is notlimited thereto and at least one of them may be provided in the secondconnector unit 7B or another portion of the transmission cable 7.

Then, a primary part of the disclosure is mainly described as theconfiguration of the camera head 9. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the camerahead 9 includes the lens unit 91, an imaging unit 92, the driving unit93, a camera head controller 94, and a communication module 95.

The lens unit 91 is configured by one or a plurality of lens(es) andforms the subject image collected by the insertion portion 8 on animaging surface of an imaging element (not illustrated) forming theimaging unit 92. The one or plurality of lens(es) are configured to bemovable along an optical axis. The lens unit 91 includes an optical zoommechanism (not illustrated) moving the one or plurality of lens(es) soas to change an angle of view and the focus mechanism 900 changing afocal point. The focus mechanism 900 will be described later. The lensunit 91 may include, in addition to the optical zoom mechanism and thefocus mechanism 900, a diaphragm mechanism and an optical filter (forexample, filter for cutting infrared light) capable of being detachablyinserted on the optical axis.

The imaging unit 92 images the subject under control by the camera headcontroller 94. The imaging unit 92 is configured by a sensor chipprovided by integrally forming an imaging element (not illustrated) suchas a charge coupled device (CCD) and a complementary metal oxidesemiconductor (CMOS) that receives the subject image formed by the lensunit 91 and converts it to an electric signal. In the case of the CCD,for example, a signal processor (not illustrated) that performs signalprocessing (A/D conversion or the like) on the electric signal (analogsignal) from the imaging element and outputs the imaging signal ismounted on the sensor chip or the like. In the case of the CMOS, forexample, a signal processor that performs signal processing (A/Dconversion or the like) on the electric signal (analog signal) convertedfrom the light and outputs the imaging signal is included in the imagingelement. The imaging unit 92 converts the generated imaging signal intoan imaging signal in accordance with a predetermined transmission systemand outputs it to the image processing device 4 without passing throughthe communication module 95. In the first embodiment, the imaging unit92 outputs RAW data, for example.

The driving unit 93 has the driver that causes the optical zoommechanism and the focus mechanism 900 to operate so as to change theangle of view and the focal point position of the lens unit 91 undercontrol by the AF controller 712. The driving unit 93 includes thedetector 93 a that receives a detection signal of a lens position(reference position) in the lens unit 91 and outputs it to the camerahead controller 94.

The camera head controller 94 controls operations of the entire camerahead 9 in accordance with the driving signal input from the firstconnector unit 7A through the transmission cable 7, an instructionsignal output from an operation unit such as a switch provided on theouter surface of the camera head 9 in an exposed manner by a useroperation on the operation unit, and the like. The camera headcontroller 94 outputs information related to the current state of thecamera head 9 to the image processing device 4 through the transmissioncable 7.

The communication module 95 outputs the signals transmitted from thetransmission cable 7 that contain the AF driving signal and the signalstransmitted from the image processing device 4 to the correspondingparts in the camera head 9, such as the camera head controller 94. Thecommunication module 95 converts the information related to the currentstate of the camera head 9, and the like into a signal format inaccordance with the predetermined transmission system and outputs theconverted signal to the transmission cable 7 and the image processingdevice 4 through the transmission cable 7. That is to say, thecommunication module 95 is a relay device that allocates the signalsinput from the image processing device 4 and the transmission cable 7 bythe serial-to-parallel conversion or the like and outputs them to thecorresponding parts of the camera head 9, and collects the signals to beoutput to the image processing device 4 and the transmission cable 7from the individual parts of the camera head 9 by the parallel serialconversion or the like and outputs them.

The driving unit 93, the camera head controller 94, and thecommunication module 95 as described above are made to operate by ageneral processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) having aninternal memory (not illustrated) with programs recorded therein orexclusive processors such as operation circuits of various typesexecuting specific functions, like an application specific integratedcircuit (ASIC). Furthermore, they may be configured by a fieldprogrammable gate array (FPGA) (not illustrated) as one type of aprogrammable integrated circuit. When they are configured by the FPGA, amemory storing therein configuration data may be provided and the FPGAas the programmable integrated circuit may be configured by theconfiguration data read from the memory.

A signal processor that performs signal processing on the imaging signalgenerated by the communication module 95 and the imaging unit 92 may beconfigured in the camera head 9 or the transmission cable 7. An imagingclock for driving the imaging unit 92 and a driving clock for drivingthe driving unit 93 may be generated based on a reference clockgenerated by an oscillator provided in the camera head 9 and may beoutput to the imaging unit 92 and the driving unit 93, respectively.Furthermore, timing signals of pieces of processing of various types inthe imaging unit 92, the driving unit 93, and the camera head controller94 may be generated based on the synchronization signals input from theimage processing device 4 and the first connector unit 7A through thetransmission cable 7 and may be output to the imaging unit 92, thedriving unit 93, and the camera head controller 94, respectively.

The focus mechanism of the lens unit 91 will be described with referenceto FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view for explaining the focusmechanism of the lens unit in the first embodiment. The focus mechanism900 as illustrated in FIG. 3 includes a lens group 911 formed by aplurality of lenses (lenses 911A to 911C), a first lens frame 912A, asecond lens frame 912B, a first supporting shaft 913A, a secondsupporting shaft 913B, a rotating shaft 914, a motor M, and a lensposition detector 915.

The lens group 911 is held by the lens frames (the first lens frame 912Aand the second lens frame 912B: movable optical members), and isprovided so as to be movable along the axial direction of the rotatingshaft 914. In the first embodiment, the first lens frame 912A holdingthe lens 911A and the second lens frame 912B holding the lenses 911B and911C cause the lenses 911A to 911C to move in the optical axisdirection. The lens group in the focus mechanism 900 may be formed byone lens or two or equal to or more than four lenses instead of the lensgroup formed by three lenses as illustrated in FIG. 3.

The first lens frame 912A holds the lens 911A. The first lens frame 912Aincludes a transfer unit having a nut 9120 screwed with the rotatingshaft 914 and converting rotating force of the rotating shaft 914 intodriving force in the optical axis direction and a transfer unit 9121transferring the driving force provided by the conversion by the nut9120 to the first lens frame 912A. The configuration of the lens frameis not limited thereto as long as the lens frame holds the lens and ismovable in the optical axis direction.

The second lens frame 912B holds the lenses 911B and 911C. The secondlens frame 912B includes a transfer unit having the nut 9120 screwedwith the rotating shaft 914 and converting the rotating force of therotating shaft 914 into driving force in the optical axis direction andthe transfer unit 9121 transferring the driving force provided by theconversion by the nut 9120 to the second lens frame 912B.

The first supporting shaft 913A and the second supporting shaft 913Bextend in the optical axis direction. The first supporting shaft 913Aand the second supporting shaft 913B hold the first lens frame 912A andthe second lens frame 912B such that the individual lenses of the lensgroup 911 do not incline with respect to the optical axis and theindividual lenses of the lens group 911 (lens frames) are movable in theoptical axis direction. A through-hole 913 a through which the transferunits 9121 are inserted is formed in the second supporting shaft 913B.The rotating shaft 914 is connected to the motor M and rotates about alengthwise axis in accordance with the rotating force from the motor M.For example, a spiral groove is formed in the rotating shaft 914 and thenuts 9120 are engaged with the groove so as to convert the rotation ofthe rotating shaft 914 into driving force in the axial direction.

In the focus mechanism 900, rotation of the motor M causes the rotatingshaft 914 to rotate under control by the driving unit 93. The rotationof the rotating shaft 914 causes the first lens frame 912A and thesecond lens frame 912B to move along the axial direction through thefirst transfer unit 9121 and the second transfer unit 9121,respectively. With this, the lenses 911A to 911C held by thecorresponding lens frames may be moved in the axial direction.

The lens position detector 915 detects distances to the first lens frame912A and the second lens frame 912B from the reference positions. Thelens position detector 915 emits infrared rays, for example, andreceives light returned from the lens frames. Then, the lens positiondetector 915 outputs, to the detector 93 a, detection signals (lightdetection signals) related to positions (distances) of the first lensframe 912A and the second lens frame 912B relative to the referencepositions. The lens position detector 915 may use a photo interrupter orthe like instead of distance measurement with the infrared rays asdescribed above.

Subsequently, the AF processing by the endoscope device 1 is describedwith reference back to FIG. 2. When the AF processor 41 a receives inputof imaging signals of a plurality of frames, it outputs AF evaluationvalues for the respective frames. Thereafter, the AF operation unit 45 aprovided in the image processing controller 45 selects a frame that isoptimum as the focusing position based on the AF evaluation values andgenerates optimum frame information (focusing evaluation) as informationof the frame optimum for focusing. Then, the AF operation unit 45 aoutputs an AF control signal containing the optimum frame information tothe AF controller 712 through the communication modules 43 and 711. Inthe first embodiment, the AF processor 41 a and the AF operation unit 45a configure an AF evaluation unit. The AF control signal may containinformation of the lens movement direction (direction toward or awayfrom the subject).

The above-mentioned selection of the frame may be made using awell-known AF method such as contrast AF, phase difference AF, and AFusing a space recognition technique. The AF processor 41 a outputswell-known AF evaluation values in accordance with the employed AFmethod, such as contrast values for the respective frames, and the AFoperation unit 45 a selects a frame based on the well-known AFevaluation values in accordance with the employed AF method, such as aframe having the largest contrast value.

When the AF controller 712 receives the AF control signal, it generatesan AF driving signal for moving the lens group 911 (the first lens frame912A and the second lens frame 912B) in the movement direction and bythe movement distance (for example, movement distance to positionscorresponding to the optimum frame information from the currentpositions) to positions corresponding to the optimum frame informationby referring to the performance data 713 a. Then, the AF controller 712outputs the generated AF driving signal to the camera head controller 94through the communication modules 711 and 95. The camera head controller94 controls the driving unit 93 based on the received driving signal soas to move the lens group 911 (the first lens frame 912A and the secondlens frame 912B). In this case, the driving unit 93 causes the rotatingshaft 914 to move in accordance with the optimum frame information fromthe current position while checking a detection result by the detector93 a so as to move the lens group 911 (the first lens frame 912A and thesecond lens frame 912B).

With the above-mentioned first embodiment, the image processing device 4outputs, to the imaging device 2, the information of the frame optimumfor the focusing in the imaging signal imaged by the camera head 9,wherein the information does not depend on individual difference andmodel type difference of the camera head 9. The imaging device 2performs the focus driving based on the information of the frame optimumfor the focusing from the image processing device 4 with reference topieces of information of the individual difference and the model typedifference of the camera head 9 that are related to AF, in particular.The movement amount of the lenses in accordance with the performance ofthe connected imaging device 2 is therefore set even when the differentimaging device 2 is connected to the image processing device 4, therebyperforming the AF processing in view of the performance of each imagingdevice 2. The first embodiment may reduce burden on the user regardlessof the characteristics of the camera head.

Furthermore, in the above-mentioned first embodiment, the user grips thecamera head 9 of the imaging device 2 in order to image a desiredobservation site while adjusting a position of the camera head 9relative to the subject. When the user grips the camera head 9, heat iseasy to be accumulated in the camera head 9. When the inner portion ofthe camera head 9 is increased in temperature, quality of the imagingsignal that is output may be deteriorated with the increase in thetemperature of the imaging element. The camera head 9 that is gripped isdesired to be reduced in size and weight as less as possible, butincrease in the number of built-in objects may inhibit the reduction insize and weight. It is preferable that the built-in objects in thecamera head 9 be minimized and, in particular, no heat generator such asthe CPU be provided in the camera head 9 if circumstances allow.Increase of the camera head in size and weight and accumulation of heatmay be prevented by providing the optical system (lens unit 91) and theimaging element (imaging unit 92) as minimum necessary components in thecamera head 9 and providing components other than them in thetransmission cable 7 if circumstances allow. For example, in order totransmit the signals between the camera head 9 and the image processingdevice 4 efficiently and reduce the number of signal lines, aparallel-to-serial element or a serial-to-parallel element forconverting a parallel signal from the camera head 9 into a serial signalor converting a serial signal to the camera head 9 into a parallelsignal may be provided in the camera head 9. In the first embodiment, aprocessor element for AF control, in particular, is preferably providedin the transmission cable 7. Although the memory 713 is provided in thetransmission cable 7, it may be provided in the camera head 9 when it isreduced in size. Furthermore, when the AF controller 712 generates lessheat and is reduced in size, the AF controller 712 may be provided inthe camera head 9.

With the above-mentioned first embodiment, the first connector unit 7Aon a side away from the camera head 9 includes the AF controller 712.This configuration enables the CPU and the like generating heat withdriving to be away from the camera head 9 as far as possible, therebyreducing influence of heat on the camera head 9.

First Modification of First Embodiment

Subsequently, a first modification of the first embodiment of thedisclosure will be described. FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view forexplaining a focus mechanism of a lens unit according to a firstmodification of the first embodiment of the disclosure. Although thelens position detector 915 measures the distances of the lens framesfrom the reference positions based on the optical signals acquired withthe light (infrared rays) in the above-mentioned first embodiment, thepositions of the lens frames are detected using magnets in the firstmodification.

A focus mechanism 910 in the first modification includes the lens group911 formed by the plurality of lenses (lenses 911A to 911C), the firstlens frame 912A, the second lens frame 912B, the first supporting shaft913A, the second supporting shaft 913B, and the rotating shaft 914 asdescribed above, and a lens position detector 916.

The lens position detector 916 detects the positions of the first lensframe 912A and the second lens frame 912B. To be specific, the lensposition detector 916 includes a first permanent magnet 916A, a secondpermanent magnet 916B, and a Hall element holding unit 916C.

The first permanent magnet 916A is provided in the first lens frame912A. The second permanent magnet 916B is provided in the second lensframe 912B.

The Hall element holding unit 916C extends in parallel with the secondsupporting shaft 913B and has a plurality of Hall elements 9160 arrangedalong the extension direction. The Hall elements 9160 detect magneticfields using a Hall effect and convert the detected magnetic fields(magnetism) into electric signals. The individual Hall elements 9160output the electric signals provided by the conversion as detectionsignals to the detector 93 a.

When the detector 93 a receives the detection signals, it determines theHall elements 9160 having the largest voltage values and detects thedetermined Hall elements 9160 as the positions of the lens frames. To bespecific, the detector 93 a determines two Hall elements of the Hallelement corresponding to the position of the first permanent magnet 916Aand the Hall element corresponding to the position of the secondpermanent magnet 916B. Thus, the positions of the current lens framesmay be detected.

Although the first permanent magnet 916A and the second permanent magnet916B are provided in the respective lens frames in the above-describedfirst modification, any one of the permanent magnets may be arranged soas to detect the position of the lens frame on which the permanentmagnet is arranged.

Second Modification of First Embodiment

Subsequently, a second modification of the first embodiment of thedisclosure will be described. FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view forexplaining a focus mechanism of a lens unit according to a secondmodification of the first embodiment of the disclosure. Although thelens position detector 915 measures the distances of the lens framesfrom the reference positions based on the optical signals acquired withthe light (infrared rays) in the above-mentioned first embodiment, thepositions of the lens frames are detected by detecting a rotation amountof the motor in the second modification.

A focus mechanism 920 in the second modification includes the lens group911 formed by the plurality of lenses (lenses 911A to 911C), the firstlens frame 912A, the second lens frame 912B, the first supporting shaft913A, the second supporting shaft 913B, and the rotating shaft 914 asdescribed above, and a lens position detector 917.

The lens position detector 917 detects the position indicating therotation amount of the motor M. To be specific, the lens positiondetector 917 is configured by a rotary encoder, for example. The lensposition detector 917 outputs the detected rotation amount (displacementwith rotation) of the motor M as a detection signal to the detector 93a.

When the detector 93 a receives the rotation amount (displacement withrotation) of the motor M from the detection signal, it converts therotation amount into a movement amount of the lens frame and detects themovement amount after conversion as the position of the lens frame. Inthis case, the memory 713 or the like stores therein the previousposition of the lens frame and the position of the lens frame isdetermined by adding the movement amount to the previous position. Withthis determination, the current position of the lens frame may bedetected. It should be noted that as the position of the lens frame, therespective positions of the first lens frame 912A and the second lensframe 912B may be determined or any one of the positions of them may bedetected. Information (for example, conversion coefficient) related tothe conversion of the rotation amount (displacement with rotation) ofthe motor M into the movement amount of the lens frame is previouslystored as the performance data 713 a.

Second Embodiment

Next, a second embodiment of the disclosure will be described. FIG. 6 isa block diagram illustrating the configurations of a camera head and animage processing device in the second embodiment. The same referencenumerals and symbols denote the same configurations as theabove-mentioned configurations. Although the imaging signal istransmitted as the electric signal between the imaging unit 92 and thesignal processor 41 through the transmission cable 7 with the electricwirings arranged therein in the above-mentioned first embodiment, theimaging signal is transmitted as an optical signal in the secondembodiment.

An endoscope device 1 a in the second embodiment includes the endoscope8, the imaging device 2, and the display device 3 as described above,and an image processing device 4 a. In the second embodiment, theimaging device 2 includes a camera head 9 a instead of the camera head9.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the image processing device 4 a includes thesignal processor 41, the image generator 42, the communication module43, the input unit 44, the image processing controller 45, and thememory 46 as described above, and an optical-to-electrical converter(O/E) 47. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the camera head 9 a includes thelens unit 91, the imaging unit 92, the driving unit 93, the camera headcontroller 94, and the communication module 95 as described above, andan electrical-to-optical (E/O) converter 96.

The E/O converter 96 performs electro-optical conversion processing onthe imaging signal as the electric signal input from the imaging unit 92so as to convert it into an optical signal, and outputs the imagingsignal as the optical signal to the image processing device 4 a. The O/Econverter 47 receives the optical signal from the camera head 9 a (E/Oconverter 96), performs photoelectric conversion processing on thereceived optical signal so as to convert it into an electric signal, andoutputs the imaging signal as the electric signal after conversion tothe signal processor 41. After the imaging signal is input to the signalprocessor 41, the image generator 42 generates the image signal asdescribed above.

The second embodiment may provide the effects provided in theabove-mentioned first embodiment. In addition, transmission of theimaging signal between the camera head 9 a and the image processingdevice 4 a is transmission of the optical signal, so that even when atransmission path is long like the transmission cable 7, more pieces ofinformation may be transmitted at a time at higher speed while reducingattenuation in comparison with the electric signal.

Third Embodiment

Next, a third embodiment of the disclosure will be described. FIG. 7 isa block diagram illustrating the configurations of a camera head and animage processing device in the third embodiment. The same referencenumerals and symbols denote the same configurations as theabove-mentioned configurations. Although the lens frames are moved basedon the performance data 713 a in the above-mentioned first embodiment,the lens frames are moved after temperature information is furtheracquired in the third embodiment.

An endoscope device 1 b in the third embodiment includes the endoscope8, the imaging device 2, the display device 3, and the image processingdevice 4 as described above. In the third embodiment, the imaging device2 includes a first connector unit 7C and a camera head 9 b instead ofthe first connector unit 7A and the camera head 9.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the camera head 9 b includes the lens unit 91,the imaging unit 92, the driving unit 93, the camera head controller 94,and the communication module 95 as described above, and a temperaturesensor 97.

The temperature sensor 97 is provided at a front end of the camera headnear the lens unit 91. To be specific, the temperature sensor 97 isprovided near the lens frames (the first lens frame 912A and the secondlens frame 912B) of the focus mechanism 900, for example. Thetemperature sensor 97 is configured by a thermocouple, a thermometricresistor, a thermistor, or the like, and measures the temperature nearthe lens frames (the first lens frame 912A and the second lens frame912B). The temperature sensor 97 outputs a detection signal containingthe temperature measurement result to the detector 93 a.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the first connector unit 7C includes thecommunication module 711, the AF controller 712, and the memory 713. Thememory 713 stores therein a correction amount-temperature table 713 b inaddition to the above-mentioned performance data 713 a.

The correction amount-temperature table 713 b is a table indicating arelation between the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 97and a correction amount of a lens frame movement amount. To be specific,for example, the lens frames expand under a high-temperatureenvironment, whereas the viscosity of a lubricant for sliding isincreased under a low-temperature environment. Under these environments,friction force in the sliding is increased, and sliding characteristicsalong the first supporting shaft 913A and the second supporting shaft913B change. The correction amount-temperature table 713 b is a tablefor correcting the inter-frame distance in accordance with the change inthe movement amount with thermal expansion of the lens frames, forexample, or correcting driving force or driving speed of the lens framesin accordance with the change in the viscosity of the lubricant forsliding for the inter-frame distance of the frames that is stored as theperformance data 713 a. For example, the correction amount-temperaturetable 713 b is data provided by performing linear interpolation,quadratic curve interpolation, or the like on data measured by every 5degrees.

The AF controller 712 determines settings related to driving control ofthe lens frames based on the detection result by the temperature sensor97, the correction amount-temperature table 713 b, and the optimum frameinformation.

With these settings, driving of the lens frames is controlled inconsideration of movement conditions that change with the temperature soas to control the driving of the lens frames in accordance with thecharacteristics of the imaging device 2 more specifically.

The third embodiment may provide the effects provided in theabove-mentioned first embodiment. In addition, the imaging device 2controls the driving of the lens frames based on the detection result bythe temperature sensor 97, so that the lenses (lens frames) may be movedwith higher accuracy. In particular, the imaging unit 92 (imagingelement) and the communication module 95 are easy to generate heat withenergization. When the heat is transferred to the lens frames and thelike, the movement amount, the driving force, the driving speed, and thelike change in some cases. The lenses (lens frames) may be moved withhigh accuracy by changing the driving control in consideration of thetemperature as in the third embodiment.

Fourth Embodiment

Next, a fourth embodiment of the disclosure will be described. FIG. 8 isa block diagram illustrating the configurations of a camera head and animage processing device in the fourth embodiment. The same referencenumerals and symbols denote the same configurations as theabove-mentioned configurations. In the fourth embodiment, in theconfiguration in the above-mentioned first embodiment, the camera headfurther includes an input unit 98 receiving input of a lens drivinginstruction.

An endoscope device 1 c in the fourth embodiment includes the endoscope8, the imaging device 2, the display device 3, and the image processingdevice 4 as described above. In the fourth embodiment, the imagingdevice 2 includes a first connector unit 7D and a camera head 9 cinstead of the first connector unit 7A and the camera head 9.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the camera head 9 c includes the lens unit 91,the imaging unit 92, the driving unit 93, the camera head controller 94,and the communication module 95 as described above, and the input unit98.

The input unit 98 is configured by a user interface such as a key, adial-type input unit (including a sensor detecting rotation of thedial), and a lever, and receives input of information related tomovement of the lens group 911 (the first lens frame 912A and the secondlens frame 912B) of the focus mechanism. The information related to themovement includes pieces of information of the movement amount, themovement direction, the movement speed, and the like of the lens group911. For example, when the dial-type input unit is used, a signalinstructing the movement direction in accordance with the rotationdirection is input, a signal instructing the movement amount inaccordance with the rotation amount is input, and a signal instructingthe movement speed in accordance with the rotation speed is input. Theinput unit 98 further receives input of an instruction signal to executethe AF processing by a key operation.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the first connector unit 7D includes thecommunication module 711, the AF controller 712, and the memory 713. Thememory 713 stores therein lens driving information 713 c in addition tothe above-mentioned performance data 713 a.

The lens driving information 713 c is driving information of the lenses(lens frames) in accordance with the instruction signals received by theinput unit 98. To be specific, when the instruction signals are inputusing the above-mentioned dial-type input unit, the lens drivinginformation 713 c contains information correlating any one direction(advancement or retreat direction with respect to the imaging unit 92)in the optical axis direction with the rotation direction, informationcorrelating the movement amount of the lenses (lens frames) in theoptical axis direction with the rotation amount, and informationcorrelating the movement speed of the lenses (lens frames) with therotation speed. It should be noted that the rotation speed and themovement amount may be correlated with each other.

When the instruction signals are input through the input unit 98, the AFcontroller 712 generates a driving signal related to the movement of thelenses (lens frames) in accordance with the instruction signals byreferring to the lens driving information 713 c and outputs it to thecamera head controller 94. The camera head controller 94 outputs thedriving signal to the driving unit 93 and moves the lenses (lens frames)in accordance with the driving signal under control by the driving unit93.

In the fourth embodiment, the user inputs the instruction signalsthrough the input unit 98 so as to move the lens manually (manualfocusing (MF)). With this, the MF processing in the fourth embodimentand the AF processing as described in the first embodiment may be usedin combination. The MF processing in the fourth embodiment may beprocessing of adjusting the focal point position while checking, by theuser, an image without performing the AF processing or may be processingof finely adjusting the focal point position while checking, by theuser, the image after the AF processing. The MF processing and the AFprocessing may be switched by a key operation on the input unit 98.

The fourth embodiment may provide the effects provided in theabove-mentioned first embodiment. In addition, the lenses are movedmanually (MF) by input of the instruction signals through the input unit98 by the user, so that the focal point position may be adjusted bymoving the lenses (lens frames) with higher degree of freedom.

Fifth Embodiment

Next, a fifth embodiment of the disclosure will be described. FIG. 9 isa block diagram illustrating the configurations of a camera head and animage processing device in the fifth embodiment. The same referencenumerals and symbols denote the same configurations as theabove-mentioned configurations. In the fifth embodiment, the lensdriving control by temperature detection and the MF processing by theuser may be performed while the above-mentioned configurations in thethird and fourth embodiments are combined.

An endoscope device 1 d in the fifth embodiment includes the endoscope8, the imaging device 2, the display device 3, and the image processingdevice 4 as described above. In the fifth embodiment, the imaging device2 includes a first connector unit 7E and a camera head 9 d instead ofthe first connector unit 7A and the camera head 9.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the camera head 9 d includes the lens unit 91,the imaging unit 92, the driving unit 93, the camera head controller 94,the communication module 95, the temperature sensor 97, and the inputunit 98 as described above.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the first connector unit 7E includes thecommunication module 711, the AF controller 712, and the memory 713. Thememory 713 stores therein the performance data 713 a, the correctionamount-temperature table 713 b, and the lens driving information 713 cas described above.

The AF controller 712 determines the settings related to the drivingcontrol of the lens frames based on the detection result by thetemperature sensor 97, the correction amount-temperature table 713 b,and the optimum frame information as described above. When theinstruction signals are input through the input unit 98, the AFcontroller 712 generates a driving signal related to the movement of thelens (lens frames) in accordance with the instruction signals byreferring to the lens driving information 713 c and outputs it to thecamera head controller 94.

The fifth embodiment may move the lenses (lens frames) with higheraccuracy and adjust the focal point position by moving the lenses (lensframes) with higher degree of freedom as in the above-mentioned thirdand fourth embodiments.

Furthermore, in the fifth embodiment, the transmission of the imagingsignal may be transmission of the optical signal as in theabove-mentioned second embodiment.

Sixth Embodiment

Next, a sixth embodiment of the disclosure will be described. FIG. 10 isa block diagram illustrating the configurations of a camera head and animage processing device in the sixth embodiment. The same referencenumerals and symbols denote the same configurations as theabove-mentioned configurations. In the sixth embodiment, the camera headadjusts gain of the imaging signal.

An endoscope device 1 e in the sixth embodiment includes the endoscope8, the imaging device 2, the display device 3, and the image processingdevice 4 as described above. In the sixth embodiment, the imaging device2 includes a camera head 9 e instead of the camera head 9. The camerahead 9 e includes an imaging unit 92A instead of the above-mentionedimaging unit 92 of the camera head 9, as illustrated in FIG. 10.

The imaging unit 92A includes a light receiver 921 receiving light of animaging target through the lens unit 91 and an analog front end unit(AFE unit) 922 performing gain adjustment processing and A/D conversionprocessing on the imaging signal as the electric signal input from thelight receiver 921. The light receiver 921 corresponds to photodiodes ofa CCD or a CMOS. The AFE unit 922 performs the gain adjustmentprocessing of amplifying the gain of the imaging signal by apredetermined amplification amount before the A/D conversion undercontrol by the camera head controller 94. It should be noted that thelight receiver 921 and the AFE unit 922 may be formed separately orintegrally. For example, the AFE unit 922 may be provided integrally onone CMOS imaging element provided with the light receiver 921.

The gain adjustment is described. When the signal processor 41 receivesthe imaging signal from the imaging unit 92A, it performs detectionprocessing of the imaging signal and outputs the detection result to theimage processing controller 45. The image processing controller 45 setsan amplification amount by which the AFE unit 922 performs theamplification based on the detection result and outputs it as a controlsignal to the AF controller 712. The AF controller 712 sets a gainadjustment amount based on the control signal and outputs it as adriving signal to the camera head controller 94. The camera headcontroller 94 causes the AFE unit 922 to amplify the gain of the imagingsignal in accordance with the gain adjustment amount as indicated by thereceived driving signal.

The sixth embodiment may provide the effects provided in theabove-mentioned first embodiment. In addition, the imaging signaldetection processing is performed and the gain adjustment in accordancewith the detection processing is performed on the imaging signal outputfrom the camera head 9 e before the A/D conversion. Noise in the imagingsignal that is transmitted may be therefore reduced by performing theamplification processing in a state of the analog signal.

Although the embodiments of the disclosure have been describedhereinbefore, the disclosure should not be limited by theabove-mentioned embodiments. Although the AF controller 712 generatesthe driving signal and so on in the above-mentioned embodiments, thecamera head controller 94 may generate the driving signal.

Although the AF controller 712 and the memory 713 are provided in thefirst connector unit in the above-mentioned embodiments, the memory 713may be provided in the camera head or the camera head controller 94 maygenerate the driving signal by referring to the memory 713 provided inthe camera head.

Although the communication modules 43, 95, and 711 as the relay devicesfor signal transmission are provided in order to make communicationamong the camera head 9, the transmission cable 7, and the imageprocessing device 4 in the above-mentioned embodiments, theconfiguration is not limited thereto and at least any of the relaydevices may not be provided and direct communication may be made.

Although the medical image acquisition system is used for the endoscopesystem as an example in the above-mentioned embodiments, it is notlimited to the endoscope system as long as it is a medical imageacquisition system imaging an observation site. For example, the medicalimage acquisition system may be applied to a medical microscope system.The medical microscope system is a medical image acquisition systemobserving a predetermined site of a subject while enlarging it. Themedical microscope system includes a camera head enlarging and imagingthe subject and a transmission cable transmitting an imaging signal fromthe camera head. Furthermore, the medical microscope system includes amovable arm portion to which the camera head is connected detachably andthat holds the camera head and an image processing device to which thetransmission cable of a signal transmitter is connected. The medicalmicroscope system may move and fix a relative position and a posture ofthe camera head relative to the subject by gripping a camera headportion and moving the camera head while deforming the arm. In the caseof the medical microscope system, the transmission cable and the imageprocessing device may be connected detachably or fixed and connectedintegrally. The medical image acquisition system according to thedisclosure is useful for the above-mentioned medical microscope system,for example.

As described above, the medical image acquisition system and a medicalimaging device of the disclosure are useful for reducing burden on theuser regardless of the characteristics of the camera head.

It should be understood by those skilled in the art that variousmodifications, combinations, sub-combinations and alterations may occurdepending on design requirements and other factors insofar as they arewithin the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A medical processor, comprising: processingcircuitry configured to receive, from an imaging device, an imagingsignal corresponding to at least an image; process the received imagingsignal; evaluate a focus state of the image based on the processedimaging signal; generate an evaluation result of the focus state of theimage; and output the evaluation result to the imaging device, whereinthe medical processor is configured to be connected with the imagingdevice, and the imaging device includes an image sensor, an opticalunit, including one or plurality of optical lenses, configured to forman optical image on the image sensor, a memory that stores autofocusperformance information regarding autofocus performance of the imagingdevice, a focus mechanism configured to move at least one of the opticallenses to adjust a focal point position, and autofocus control circuitryconfigured to control the focus mechanism, based on the autofocusperformance information stored in the memory and the evaluation resultreceived from the processing circuitry, to control the focus state ofthe image.
 2. The medical processor according to claim 1, furthercomprising interface circuitry configured to receive the imaging signaland output the evaluation result.
 3. The medical processor according toclaim 1, further comprising communication circuitry configured to outputthe evaluation result.
 4. The medical processor according to claim 3,further comprising a memory that stores communication data for executingcommunication through the communication circuitry.
 5. The medicalprocessor according to claim 1, further comprising a memory that storesa program to be executed by the processing circuitry.
 6. The medicalprocessor according to claim 1, wherein the processing circuitry isfurther configured to generate an image signal to be displayed on adisplay based on the imaging signal.
 7. The medical processor accordingto claim 6, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to execute atleast one of color correction, color enhancement, and contourenhancement to generate the image signal.
 8. The medical processoraccording to claim 1, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to:calculate a contrast of the image in accordance with the imaging signal;evaluate the focus state of the image for each frame based on thecalculated contrast; and generate the evaluation result correlated withthe frame.
 9. The medical processor according to claim 1, wherein theprocessing circuitry is configured to process the received imagingsignal by executing at least one of noise removal of the imaging signaland A/D conversion for the imaging signal.
 10. The medical processoraccording to claim 1, further comprising: photoelectric convertercircuitry, wherein the received imaging signal is an optical signal, andthe photoelectric converter circuitry is configured to convert theoptical signal into an electrical signal.
 11. The medical processoraccording to claim 1, wherein the imaging device is an endoscope. 12.The medical processor according to claim 1, wherein the imaging deviceincludes a transmission cable that connects the imaging device with themedical processor, and the memory that stores the autofocus performanceinformation is located inside the transmission cable.
 13. The medicalprocessor according to claim 12, wherein the transmission cableincludes: a cable body part, and a connection part configured to connectwith the medical processor detachably; and the memory that stores theautofocus performance information is located inside the connection part.14. A signal processing method of a medical processor, the methodcomprising: receiving, from an imaging device, an imaging signalcorresponding to at least an image; processing the received imagingsignal; evaluating, using processing circuitry, a focus state of theimage based on the processed imaging signal; generating an evaluationresult of the focus state of the image; and outputting the evaluationresult to the imaging device, wherein the medical processor isconfigured to be connected with the imaging device, and the imagingdevice includes an image sensor, an optical unit, including one orplurality of optical lenses configured to form an optical image on theimage sensor, a memory that stores autofocus performance informationregarding autofocus performance of the imaging device, a focus mechanismconfigured to move at least one of the optical lenses to adjust a focalpoint position, and autofocus control circuitry configured to controlthe focus mechanism, based on the autofocus performance informationstored in the memory and the evaluation result received from theprocessing circuitry, to control the focus state of the image.
 15. Thesignal processing method according to claim 14, comprising: calculatinga contrast of the image in accordance with the imaging signal;evaluating the focus state of the image for each frame based on thecalculated contrast; and generating the evaluation result correlatedwith the frame.
 16. The signal processing method according to claim 14,wherein the processing of the received imaging signal is performed byexecuting at least one of noise removal of the imaging signal and A/Dconversion for the imaging signal.
 17. A non-transitory computerreadable medium including executable instructions, which when executedby a computer cause the computer to execute a signal processing methodof a medical processor, the method comprising: receiving, from animaging device, an imaging signal corresponding to at least an image;processing the received imaging signal; evaluating a focus state of theimage based on the processed imaging signal; generating an evaluationresult of the focus state of the image; and outputting the evaluationresult to the imaging device, wherein the medical processor isconfigured to be connected with the imaging device, and the imagingdevice includes an image sensor, an optical unit, including one orplurality of optical lenses, configured to form an optical image on theimage sensor, a memory that stores autofocus performance informationregarding autofocus performance of the imaging device, a focus mechanismconfigured to move at least one of the optical lenses to adjust a focalpoint position, and autofocus control circuitry configured to controlthe focus mechanism, based on the autofocus performance informationstored in the memory and the evaluation result received from theprocessing circuitry, to control the focus state of the image.